Councilors want time to consider cell tower

DERRY — Councilors agreed to wait until they have more information before considering a proposal for AT&T to construct a cell tower on town-owned land.

Under the proposal, the town would lease out a small parcel at 36 Tsienneto Road to AT&T. The company wants to construct an approximately 150-foot cell tower on a 50-by-50-foot area of the property, said Thomas Carrier, deputy director of public works.

AT&T is seeking to install the cell tower to help with poor reception in the area, according to town officials.

In return for leasing the property, the town would receive $2,000 a month in revenue. This would add up eventually to $697,000 over a 25-year period, Carrier said.

The area is zoned medium residential and telecommunications facilities are not permitted there, Carrier said. AT&T would need to go before the Zoning Board for a variance. In addition, the company would also need to obtain site plan approval from the Planning Board.

During Tuesday night's meeting, some councilors said they were concerned about the aesthetics of the tower and raised health concerns.Councilors said they wanted to get more information about how much it would cost for the town to get involved in the process to lease out the property.At the advice of acting Town Administrator Larry Budreau, councilors agreed not to take any action on the proposal and to take it up again at some point in the future when they receive the cost information.